April 24, 2017

We are delighted to invite you to our livecast of this year’s Karen Spärck Jones lecture, 5.30 for 5.50pm Thursday 25 May 2017, Room G.07, Informatics Forum.

The lecture, Creating Robots that Care, will be delivered by Dr Maja Matarić, Professor and Chan Soon-Shiong Chair of Computer Science, Neuroscience & Pediatrics, University of Southern California; Founding Director at the USC’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems Center and Director of the USC’s Robotics Research Lab.

April 18, 2017

Did you know that the University is now a Carer Positive Employer? There is a web page on the University website offering guidance about the support available to employees who have a caring responsibility so that they can balance work with caring commitments and continue to be effective in their role.

Webinar training entitled ‘No one Asks for It: Confronting Sexual Harassment’ is available 1-2pm, Thursday 20 April or Thursday 27 April 2017 to any member of staff, but particularly those who would have direct contact with students. Objectives:

• describe what sexual harassment looks like and why it’s important for staff at the University to understand this

• give ideas about how to challenge sexual harassment, whether you’re subject to it or witness it

• give information to those who have close relationships or contact with students about what they should do in the event of witnessing sexual harassment or assault, or in the event of a disclosure.

April 5, 2017

Twelve one-hour, group advice sessions are being organised around the University for staff who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Led by external lawyers, the sessions will take place 24-28 April 2017 and cover:

– How to apply for a UK residence certificate and permanent residence card

– How to apply for British citizenship

– Information for any member of staff with an EEA partner/dependants

They form part of a package of additional advice and support for staff over the coming months which includes: Individual consultation meetings with an external immigration adviser; Reduced costs for staff who may need additional legal advice; Financial support to help spread the cost of residency fees and legal advice; Practical help to obtain evidence of employment and earnings to support applications.

April 4, 2017

The World Health Organisation says: “While the link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) is well established in high-income countries, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness.

“In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Suicide rates are also high amongst vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners. By far the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.”